Corporate Social Responsibility campaign for Sharjah’s private sector enterprises launched
SCCI initiative to cover significant areas such as environment, ‘green business,’ social development & business ethics
The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) has called on the active involvement and support of all economic and investment sectors as well as businesses and the entire private sector to ensure the success of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) campaign it launched today (Monday, September 15, 2008).
The initiative will promote the concept of CSR and the necessary implementing programs and mechanisms across all local enterprises, with the aim of achieving sustainable development for the benefit of various segments of society. The latest SCCI project is in line with private sector partnerships with government agencies and authorities as well as social welfare associations and is expected to have a significant positive impact on public and private sector collaboration in various areas.
The Chamber announced the details of its CSR campaign for the private sector during a press conference at the Sharjah Expo Center, held in the presence of SCCI Director General Hussein Mohammed Al Mahmoudi; SCCI Assistant Director General of Economic and International Affairs, Mohammed Ahmed Amin; and other SCCI Board Members.
H.E. Ahmed Mohammed Al Midfa, SCCI Chairman, said: “The Board has approved the adoption of this joint initiative between the Chamber and its key partners of associate members. The campaign will promote and support CSR adoption in Sharjah and throughout the UAE as a platform for enhancing the development of society. This will be based on social cooperation and will ensure that joint efforts will be productive enough to achieve comprehensive and sustainable development in different sectors of society. Apart from its social benefits, our initiative also intends to enhance the business sector, particularly with regards to investment perspectives and management style.”
Al Midfa explained that the SCCI program is in line with the UAE’s general policy of consolidating efforts aimed at improving the lives of its citizens and residents, and fulfils its societal and humanitarian obligations. It also complements the country’s aim of achieving unique and balanced regional and international relations. The SCCI Chairman added that the CSR campaign reflects Sharjah’s commitment to realising the vision of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, particularly with regard to the promotion of humanitarian and socially beneficial activities based on the highest moral standards, values and traditions of the UAE.
Al Midfa added that the CSR initiative encourages the private sector to focus more on its social responsibilities, especially as it is a vital partner in the development and implementation of programs covering economic, environmental, humanitarian and social development.
The Chamber official further clarified that the SCCI program does not indicate an absence or deficiency of support from the private sector in terms of CSR or societal development. Rather, the project aims to improve CSR awareness and implementation so that social conditions can be further enhanced.
Concerning the role played by SCCI in serving civil society, Al Midfa pointed out that the Chamber is eager to cooperate with regional and international social and humanitarian organisations to fulfil its commitment to social and environmental development in full support of the directions of H.H. Dr. Al Qassimi. He also noted that the SCCI has contributed AED 46 million to social causes over the past three years up to the first half of 2008.
The Chamber’s contributions have funded various education, humanitarian, social, entertainment and sports activities and services. These have also helped in the implementation of the plans and programs of society- and welfare-oriented associations at the local, federal and Arab levels. Moreover, SCCI supervises “Tawasul,” a program aimed at providing for the education of orphan students which is sponsored by businessmen, private companies and other organisations in cooperation with Tamkeen in Sharjah and Sharjah University.
SCCI also aims to adopt CSR for its employees and their families by providing social and health care and financial aid for humanitarian reasons and social enhancement, as well as scholarships and interest-free loans based on a flexible plan. In addition, the Chamber plans to provide grants for the completion of academic studies, along with training and recruitment in various fields of work. All of these are in line with the continuous development of SCCI human resources, particularly with regards to their social conditions.
Hussein Mohammed Al Mahmoudi, SCCI Director General, explained that the CSR initiative aims to unify government and private sector efforts towards social and environmental development, which ultimately benefits both civil society and private enterprises and investments. He added that SCCI will promote CSR not only within the local setting but throughout the region and entire world as well, and will leverage its experience and resources to ensure the successful implementation of the program.
Al Mahmoudi added that it would capitalize on its good relations with the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Global Impact to boost its CSR project. The Chamber will also support research and activities on issues ranging from climate change, environmental protection and utility services to public transportation, safety and security.
With regards to the implementation of the CSR campaign, Al Mahmoudi said that the Chamber will continuously communicate with participants via a special network which will include all information on partner companies, organisations and government agencies as well as parties concerned with social affairs and services. This would streamline program coordination and effectively define the parameters of the initiative.
He added that several actions will be taken in line with the initiative, such as financial aid for social organisations such as Tamkeen; programs for the elderly and people with special needs; and the enhancement of SCCI’s communications network to provide efficient technical support. The Chamber’s campaign will also cover activities involving consumer protection; the use of eco-friendly technologies; manpower safety; performance level and job satisfaction development; investment and profit return optimization; and client relationship building.
Al Mahmoudi noted that the SCCI will be implementing its CSR initiative immediately under the supervision of a special department tasked to oversee the working plan and the campaign’s specific programs under the guidance of senior management and the direction of the Chamber’s office as headed by the Chairman. He also said that the Chamber is studying the creation of an award program for the initiative which would help evaluate the CSR activities of businesses and organisations.
The Director General welcomed the study and implementation of suggestions from businessmen and leaders of the private sector on the effective adoption of CSR mechanisms and support for related programs. He also encouraged similar efforts to promote standards of corporate behaviour that enhance organizational efficiency, elevate the well-being of human resources, and contribute to social development.
